A POPULAR park threatened with closure threw open its gates this week to reveal a stylish range of colourful equipment.

A total of &#xA3;34,000 has been spent on upgrading the Bardin play area near Flint Castle.

Parents feared for the future of the well-used facility when Welsh Water embarked on a &#xA3;650,000 flooding prevention scheme last year.

As the on-site pumping station was expanded to increase its size and capacity, neighbours grew increasingly concerned there would be little recreational space left.

But fears have been allayed this week with the reopening of the refurbished site.

Play design officer Richard Roberts said Welsh Water contributed &#xA3;25,000 towards the cost of the project.

'We are pleased with what has been achieved, especially with the amount of space we'd been given,' he said.

'There were fears it may have to close, but it was felt it was a necessity to the community especially in that part of Flint.'

Neighbours lobbied their local councillors and even earned the support of Delyn MP David Hanson in their campaign to see the play area restored.

Mr Roberts said the new park with its swinging animals, a play structure with a slide, small roundabout and a seesaw caters primarily for toddlers.

'Hopefully we will be working on a second phase by the end of summer when two swings will also be installed.'

Castle Ward councillor Ian Roberts, who kept up the pressure on Welsh Water to ensure there was enough space left for youngsters to play thanked local residents for their patience.

'I'm absolutely delighted the play area has been partially reopened for the summer,' he said. 'There's more equipment due on the site and I will continue to push for as much of the area to be restored as possible.'